Police: Waggener, Spencer County school threat was meant for New York schools

A social media post that prompted an increased police presence Monday at Waggener and Spencer County high schools was actually intended for two New York schools, according to authorities.

A Kentucky State Police spokesman, Trooper Bernie Napier, said detectives determined the threatening post originated from Staten Island, New York, and the threats were intended for Tottenville High School and Susan Wagner High School in Staten Island.

A 16-year-old suspect was arrested Monday in Staten Island in connection with the threats, Napier said, adding that KSP detectives continue to investigate.

"The original social media post was misunderstood by a Kentucky juvenile who believed the threats were intended for Kentucky schools," Napier said.

Chuck Abell, the assistant superintendent of Spencer County Schools, said officials were made aware Monday morning of an "indirect" threat against the school made on Facebook from what appeared to be a former student.

Abell said the comments on the post also appeared to implicate Waggener High School, which is in Jefferson County. He could not provide a copy of the post to the Courier Journal.

"We believe this was an irresponsible use of social media that has generated fear and worry in the community," Abell said. "Spencer County Schools always errs on the side of safety and has had a substantial increase in law enforcement officers in the building, as they continue to investigate."

St. Matthews Police were at the school Monday morning as a precaution, she said, but the school was operating as normal.

Napier confirmed earlier Monday that police received a phone call about a threat seen on social media. He said KSP was investigating, had troopers at Spencer County High School and had contacted St. Matthews Police about the potential Waggener threat.